ent Individuals • Resp Learners • Confd onsible Citizens tus Cults Academy Successful • Effective pec ontributors • Contribut School Pros tors ns • Effective C ors • Succe Contribu Successfu • Responsible Citize ssful Learn • Effective l Learners • Confdent Individuals ers • Confident Individuals • Responsible Citizens CULTS ACADEMY ... OUR SCHOOL Our extra-curricular programme offers opportunities for enjoyment and personal development. The programme Our aim is for all pupils to feel valued in an environment that includes activities of a sporting, aesthetic and cultural nature. gives them the opportunity to become successful learners, In the weekly programme we offer a range of activities for confident individuals, responsible citizens and effective which the uptake is high. In addition, we have a number contributors to society. of annual and occasional events. These include speaking competitions and special charity activities, organised by our very successful charity group – C.A.T.Ch. Music and Drama VISION are also very important at Cults Academy and we are treated to events of the highest standard.

At Cults Academy, pupils and staff together Pupils in the school are organised into five Houses - Cairn, work to create a school where we are Devenick, Friarsfield, Murtle and Ronan, names which all have local associations. Where possible siblings are placed in the • Growing our Potential same House so that parents can maintain a relationship with a key member of staff. Generally our pupils are keen to do well • Supporting our Community academically and on average 90% of pupils stay on beyond • Creating our Futures S4. The vast majority of pupils aspire to Higher Education places but at Cults Academy we aim to help all pupils reach their potential and encourage and support alternative routes to ensure pupils have a secure future.

VALUES We are also committed to developing the qualities and values in our young people to ensure they become responsible Through our language, actions and attitude citizens and effective contributors in school and beyond. we show Developing a strong partnership with parents is very important to us. We recognize that parental involvement is crucial to • Respect a young person’s success. We aim to keep parents informed • Pride in Self and Others about their youngster’s progress and development through • Resilience regular reporting, evening information sessions, newsletters • Fairness and our website. Over 90% of our parents attend our Parents’ • Responsibility Evenings. Parents can also become involved in the wider life of the school - we have a very successful Parent Council and PTA. WELCOME TO CULTS ACADEMY In addition, we are striving to foster links with the wider community through a whole range of activities. Our aim is to Welcome to the Cults Academy school prospectus. Here you ensure that there is a growing involvement of the school with will find information on our school aims and educational the community which continues to develop positively in the provision as well as arrangements for routine procedures. years that lie ahead. Further information can be viewed on our website at We are very proud of our academic success, the high standard www.cults-academy..sch.uk. of pastoral care we provide for young people and the wide range of extra curricular activities we offer to pupils. We are Cults Academy is a large non-denominational comprehensive always happy to receive feedback from parents and you can school on the outskirts of Aberdeen, providing secondary always contact me or any of the Senior Management Team education for male and female pupils S1 – S6. The pupil roll through the school office. is around 1050 - 1100. Pupils come to Cults Academy from the associated primary schools of Culter, Cults, Should you wish to apply for a place at Cults Academy please and Lairhillock. Gaelic Education is not provided at Cults contact the school in the first instance on 01224 868801 and Academy, but can be accessed at nearby Academy. ask for the DHT in charge of enrolment, for guidance on Free transport is provided by the authority for those pupils who submitting a Placing Request to Aberdeen City Council. live within the catchment area at distances greater than three miles from the school. David Barnett HEAD TEACHER Cults Academy was built in 2009 as part of Aberdeen City Council’s 3Rs Scheme. Pupils and staff enjoy a modern, light school with a state of the art facility. All classrooms have an Interactive Whiteboard. We have extensive music and PE facilities including a pool, all-weather pitch and traditional grass pitches.

1 ent Individuals • Resp Learners • Confid onsible Citizens tus Cults Academy Successful • Effective pec ontributors • Contribut School Pros tors ns • Effective C ors • Succe Contribu Successfu • Responsible Citize ssful Learn • Effective l Learners • Confident Individuals ers • Confdent Individuals • Responsible Citizens

All pupils at Cults Academy, no matter their gender, race, ability or cultural background, are considered as equals in terms of learning opportunities, special needs, personal and social development, and choice of involvement in extra- curricular activities – in fact in all aspects of their educational life at school.

We strive to ensure that pupils from other countries attending Cults Academy become well integrated into our school environment. The school offers an inclusive and positive atmosphere and supports youngsters joining from different educational systems. SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT RELIGIOUS AND MORAL At Cults Academy we encourage a culture of self-evaluation EDUCATION and continuous improvement. Every year we produce a School Improvement Plan which contains a Standards & Quality Education is about the development of the whole person. Report for the previous session including trends in performance Religious and Moral Education is an essential part of that data and plans for future improvement. This is discussed with education and aims to help pupils: the Parent Council following publication and is available on the school website post September. • to develop a knowledge and understanding of Christianity and other world religions and to recognise religion as an important expression of human experience; THE SCHOOL DAY • to appreciate moral values such as honesty, liberty, justice, fairness and concern for others and to investigate and 08:30 – 08:42 – Tutorial understand the questions and answers that religion can 08:42 – 09:35 – Period 1 offer about the nature and meaning of life; 09:35 – 10:28 – Period 2 • to develop their own beliefs, attitudes, moral values and 10:28 – 10:48 – Morning Interval practices through a process of personal search, discovery 10:48 – 11:41 – Period 3 and critical evaluation. 10:41 – 12:34 – Period 4 12:34 – 13:24 – Lunch Interval (only S4 – S6 permitted to leave Moral education is also a function of the whole school and the building to go down to the village for lunch) is transmitted through the relationships which exist in the 13:24 – 14:17 – Period 5 school community. Moral values such as honesty, compassion, 14:17 – 15:10 – Period 6 kindness and thoughtfulness for others are upheld within the school and experienced and learned through the daily contact It is essential that pupils arrive at school on time to ensure that and interaction of pupils, staff and visitors. classes are not disrupted. A calendar of the school year is available on the school website RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCE Visitor Information/School Holidays In line with Aberdeen City Council policy, we are committed to the principle of providing opportunities for our youngsters FREE SCHOOL MEALS/CLOTHING to be involved in religious observance. A vital part of this commitment is our wish to provide experiences of high quality GRANTS and interest to pupils. In practice, this means the involvement If you think your child is entitled to free school meals or an essential school clothing and footwear grant please ask for a leaflet at the reception desk.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

Our roll at Cults Academy comprises pupils from a variety of backgrounds, of various nationalities, and with many different cultural experiences. Our aim is to try to ensure that they, together with school staff, form a well integrated and harmonious school population.

2 ent Individuals • Resp Learners • Confd onsible Citizens tus Cults Academy Successful • Effective pec ontributors • Contribut School Pros tors ns • Effective C ors • Succe Contribu Successfu • Responsible Citize ssful Learn • Effective l Learners • Confdent Individuals ers • Confident Individuals • Responsible Citizens

of pupils, our school, chaplains and external groups in an carers to meet Principal Teachers Pupil Support. However, annual programme of religious observance. if you have concerns about your child’s progress or matters of a personal nature you can contact the school to make an Please note that, for reasons of religious conviction, parents appointment with the relevant PT Pupil Support. may withdraw their child(ren) from courses in Religious and Moral Education and from religious observance. Any such requests should be made to the Head Teacher. PUPIL SUPPORT - LEARNING Pupils may also be given the opportunity to opt for Roman Any pupil, at any time, may need extra help with their Catholic Religious Education where this is available from education for a variety of reasons. At Cults Academy we have Aberdeen City Council. Parents should contact their child’s a dedicated team of teachers and support staff (Pupil Support Pupil Support Teacher for advice. Assistants) who work alongside class teachers in supporting learning and teaching activities.

CHILD PROTECTION Some pupils may have identified Additional Support Needs. Every opportunity is taken to establish the nature and extent Given on-going concerns on the subject of child and young of a pupil’s learning difficulty as soon as possible; close peoples’ safety, each school has a specially trained Designated liaison with our Associated Primaries means that information Officer appointed to be responsible for Child Protection is shared at transition and is available before pupils join us in matters. Should you wish to talk further about Child Protection August. For other pupils already in Cults Academy, individual and the safety of children, please feel free to contact the Head teachers monitor performance closely and, if required, Support Teacher. for Learning staff carry out diagnostic and attainment tests to identify areas of difficulty. Where there is the possibility that a child could be at risk of abuse or neglect, the school is required to refer the child to Our aim is to strive towards a truly inclusive education but Social Work, the Police or the Children’s Reporter and under at times, some pupils may require more intensive tuition to these circumstances, the parent(s) would not normally be support their learning needs and this is provided in the SfL consulted first. department. PT Pupil Support Curriculum liaises closely with external agencies such as the Pupil Support Service, The Child Protection Officer in Cults Academy is Educational Psychologists, English as an Additional Language, Mr Nick Cowling, Depute Head Teacher. specialists and Speech Therapist in every effort to meet the needs of all pupils. PUPIL SUPPORT – PASTORAL

When pupils enrol at Cults Academy they are allocated a House (led by a Depute Head Teacher and Principal Teacher of Pupil Support) and a Tutor Group. There are five ousesh - Cairn, Devenick, Friarsfield, Murtle and Ronan. In S6 we have a dedicated Principal Teacher of Pupil Support who provides support to the entire year group. Cults Academy operates a vertical tutor group system which means that, where possible, siblings from the same family are allocated to the same House and often the same Tutor Group throughout their time at Cults Academy.

Each of the six Principal Teachers of Pupil Support are responsible for all forms of pastoral care and liaise closely with House Tutors and the Depute Head Teacher for each House. This system has been set up to ensure that each pupil is known as an individual, has his/her needs uniquely met and feels valued. CURRICULUM FOR EXCELLENCE In addition to pastoral care, Personal and Social Education is planned and taught by Pupil Support staff to ensure pupils learn In 2002 the then Scottish Executive embarked on an extensive about and can discuss matters such as healthy relationships, consultation exercise on the state of school education - the health, progress in learning, careers education and citizenship. National Debate on Education.

Teenage years can be difficult for omes youngsters and Pupil The Debate confirmed that a number of features of the present Support staff play an important role in helping pupils who are Scottish Curriculum are highly valued. These include the experiencing problems in their education or personal lives. commitment to breadth and balance, the quality of teaching During Parents’ Evenings there are opportunities for parents/ and, importantly, the comprehensive principle.

3 ent Individuals • Resp Learners • Confid onsible Citizens tus Cults Academy Successful • Effective pec ontributors • Contribut School Pros tors ns • Effective C ors • Succe Contribu Successfu • Responsible Citize ssful Learn • Effective l Learners • Confident Individuals ers • Confdent Individuals • Responsible Citizens

However, there were clear demands for change and improvement: for example -

• To reduce overcrowding in the Curriculum • To make learning more enjoyable • To make better connections between the stages in the Curriculum 3 to 18 • To broaden the range of learning experiences for young people • To make sure that approaches to assessment and certification support learning

A Curriculum Review Group was established in 2003 and its work resulted in the publication in November 2004 of ‘A Curriculum for Excellence’.

‘A Curriculum for Excellence’ provides explicit statements of the aims of Education in Scotland, concepts which have long Level Stage been implicit. The purposes of education are to enable all Early The pre-school years and P1, or later for young people to become: some. First To the end of P4, but earlier or later for • successful learners some. • confident individuals Second To the end of P7, but earlier or later for • responsible citizens some. • effective contributors Third and Fourth S1 to S3, but earlier for some. The fourth level broadly equates to Scottish Credit and Schools have been working openly with these four capacities Qualifications Framework level 4. since 2004, and in August 2010 our curriculum structure was The fourth level experiences and outcomes re-designed to meet the needs of the new curriculum and are intended to provide possibilities for the National Qualifications replaced Standard Grade and choice and young people's programmes Intermediate Exams in 2014. will not include all of the fourth level outcomes. Stages of Learning - Junior Stage S1 - 3 Senior phase S4 to S6, and college or other means of Senior Phase S4 - 6 study.

The path most children and young people are expected to follow through the levels reflects the stages of maturation of children and young people and the changing ways in which SENIOR PHASE they engage with learning as they develop. The Senior Phase is for young people aged 15 - 18. All Some children and young people will start learning at these young people can continue to expect to gain knowledge and levels earlier and others later, depending upon individual skills, whatever their individual needs and wherever they are needs and aptitudes. The framework is however designed to learning. be flexible in order to permit careful planning for those with additional support needs, including those who, for example, Young people approaching the senior phase will have a range have a learning difficulty and those who are particularly able of options, including staying on at school, going to college or or talented. university, entering work-based learning or community-based learning, volunteering, or a combination of these. In S4 – S6 the curriculum offered allows pupils in any year group to study a course mix of Nationals/Highers/Advanced Highers.

There is also the option to take a Work Experience option linking SQA Awards with experience in the workplace.

All pupils in S4/S5 study 5 subjects at a level appropriate for their secondary pathway.

Throughout the Senior Phase pupils are supported in planning post school progress with inputs from a range of Higher Education providers as well as customised careers advice.

An S3  Senior Phase Curricular Evening is held at the end of January each year to inform/assist parents and pupils with the transition process.

4 ent Individuals • Resp Learners • Confd onsible Citizens tus Cults Academy Successful • Effective pec ontributors • Contribut School Pros tors ns • Effective C ors • Succe Contribu Successfu • Responsible Citize ssful Learn • Effective l Learners • Confdent Individuals ers • Confident Individuals • Responsible Citizens RESPECT POLICY

POLICIES The following policies are available via the school website Parent Zone/Policies: • Comments, Complaints & Compliments Procedures • Child Protection Policy • Managing Substance Misuse, Incidents involving Children & Young People in Schools • Respect Policy – Promoting Equality & Diversity

If you require guidance on any other matter please contact the school directly.

At Cults Academy we aim to provide, within a caring and This allows our staff to familiarise themselves with the levels of co-operative atmosphere, a balanced and coherent range of work attained in primaries and support continuity within the interesting and structured educational experiences. If a pupil curriculum. As well as these links, primary pupils make visits is being bullied, he/ she will not be able to take advantage of to the Academy to access specialised equipment e.g. science the education being offered and will not feel part of a caring, laboratories or music rooms when the timetable allows. supportive and safe community. Cults Academy does not tolerate any form of bullying. We believe all pupils and staff The Transition from Primary to Secondary have a right to learn and work in a safe and caring environment. The Depute Head Teacher with responsibility for Transition works closely with all primaries to ensure pupils have a In line with Aberdeen City Council policy, Cults Academy successful transition to the Academy. has its own statement on bullying which contains advice for pupils, parents and staff. This is made available to all pupils • March DHT Transition visits Primary Schools and when they start school and every year we remind pupils of speaks to P7 pupils and staff. our values during ‘Respect Week’ in November. • April DHT Transition takes some S1 Pupils back to Primary schools to share their experience of Nobody has the right to hurt other people by bullying them, the transition with P7 pupils. kicking them, calling them names, spreading rumours about • y Ma Information received from Primary staff. Draft them or by doing anything else which is intended to be classes discussed with Primary staff, Support upsetting. If a pupil is being bullied or if a pupil suspects for Learning, Pupil Support staff. that someone else is being bullied then he/ she needs to tell DHT Transition and Pupil Support staff visit the someone. Our I.T. system is protected by a number of safety Primaries and tell pupils their class. nets which prevent access to undesirable websites and the • June New Parents’ Information Evening held at the school takes very seriously any incidents of cyber bullying. Academy Two-day induction and Mini-World Cup. Information leaflets are available in the school library. Pupils are encouraged to talk to their Pupil Support Teacher or Year From March to May, P7 pupils from our local schools visit Head. If a pupil finds it difficult to talk to an adult then he/she Cults Academy for two afternoons. Pupils receive input from could talk to a senior pupil. Pupil Support Pastoral and a variety of different curricular staff.

All reported incidents of alleged bullying will be taken In June, all new S1 pupils have a two day visit. Pupil Support seriously by school staff. Parents, carers and pupils who report Pastoral work with the new pupils period 1 each day. From bullying can expect to: period 2 onwards the pupils follow a normal S1 timetable.

• have their concerns taken seriously Support for Transition • be told what steps we will take to resolve an alleged Support for Learning staff maintain close links with the Primary incident Schools to ensure pupils with additional support needs will • be treated with dignity, even any young person found to be well known to staff and their needs documented before be bullying others entry to S1. • be kept up-to-date with progress when an incident is being received During the first 4 weeks of term (August) Support for Learning • be actively involved in partnership to resolve issues staff ‘follow’ the S1 classes. Any necessary information can be passed to subject colleagues, pupils may be supported and any early problems which might arise identified. Additionally, PRIMARY - SECONDARY LINKS all staff are provided with Confidential Additional Support Needs lists which highlight individual needs and appropriate Ensuring effective links with our primary schools is a top responses. priority for us. Staff from across the school meet with primary colleagues to discuss curriculum and moderate assessments.

5 ent Individuals • Resp Learners • Confid onsible Citizens tus Cults Academy Successful • Effective pec ontributors • Contribut School Pros tors ns • Effective C ors • Succe Contribu Successfu • Responsible Citize ssful Learn • Effective l Learners • Confident Individuals ers • Confdent Individuals • Responsible Citizens SUPPORT FOR S1 PUPILS If however, the school has any concerns they will contact the parent with additional information or to arrange an During their transition visit in June, Senior pupils escort the P7 appointment. Likewise, parents are welcome and encouraged pupils in their House from class to class and work intensively to contact the school at any time. with Pupil Support staff over the two days. The seniors quickly get to know the younger pupils with many friendships being Additional planning meetings are held for pupils with formed. When the new S1 pupils come back in August the Additional Support Needs. same senior pupils again help to look after the younger pupils by escorting them from subject to subject and meeting with them at interval and lunchtime. PARENT COUNCIL

Following the Parental Involvement Act (2006) Cults Academy THE PARENT FORUM formed a Parent Council to replace the School Board. The Constitution is agreed with parents and any member of the All parents of pupils at Cults Academy are members of the Parent Forum can attend Parent Council meetings. The Council Parent Forum and can play an active role in supporting the meets six times every academic year. The Annual General School through membership of The Parent Teacher Association Meeting is held Term 1 and all parents are invited to attend. (PTA) or The Parent Council. A full list of Parent Council members is published periodically The PTA meets regularly throughout the year and organises in school newsletter and minutes of their meetings are available various social and fundraising activities. The funds of the via the school website. The Parent Council can be contacted Committee are administered by the Treasurer and are used directly by email: [email protected] for the good of pupils at Cults Academy. Recent events have included the annual Christmas Craft Fair and ceilidh. A strong Any parent who has a concern, no matter how small, should and active PTA is of considerable benefit to the school, and feel able to contact the school direct and ask to speak to a parental support is much appreciated. member of the Senior Management Team who will be happy to clarify any issue. More information is available on the Parent Zone of the School Website. DRESS CODE PUPIL COUNCIL Given that there is substantial parental and pupil support for a school uniform, all pupils are encouraged to wear full uniform. Pupil Forum Meetings are held throughout each session on a range of issues. All pupils are encouraged to contribute ideas Cults Academy Uniform and opinions for Pupil Forum at tutorial times. Cults Academy • White shirt/blouse with collar suitable for a tie Representatives also play an active role in Aberdeen City • School tie (available to purchase from the School Office) Council’s wider Pupil Forum. • Appropriate dark grey or black trousers/school skirt (avoid fashion extremes) In S6 a full leadership team operates and meet regularly with • School type black footwear staff and senior management. • School jumper or slip with badge • School Blazer (S5/6 wear House braid) PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT

Throughout each session there are calendared communications regarding their child’s educational progress.

6 ent Individuals • Resp Learners • Confd onsible Citizens tus Cults Academy Successful • Effective pec ontributors • Contribut School Pros tors ns • Effective C ors • Succe Contribu Successfu • Responsible Citize ssful Learn • Effective l Learners • Confdent Individuals ers • Confident Individuals • Responsible Citizens

Do’s and Don’ts of Dress Code

3 Do … … arrive for school in appropriate clothing … remember your blazer/tie … project a positive image of yourself and the school in the school grounds and the local community

7 Don’t … … wear denim or leather … wear clothing that could cause offence (slogans, very short skirts) … wear fashion tops not meant for a tie THE SCHOOL BADGE Suppliers of Cults Academy school uniform:-

John Lewis Aitken & Niven George Street c/o McCalls Aberdeen Bridge Street 01224 625000 Aberdeen 01224 405316 The school badge depicts in heraldic form the activities of the school and the area in which the pupils live.

SCHOOL CLOTHING GRANT The pair of open books represent the studies to be undertaken Aberdeen City Council makes available a grant in certain circumstances to in the school. The holly sheaves are representative of the cover the cost of school uniform – contact school office for details. Drumoak area. The wavy blue band which is foam flecked stands for the River Dee. The arrows are a reminder that the school is built on the edge of what was the forest of Midstocket, CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES an area given to the city of Aberdeen by King Robert the Bruce for the purposes of hunting. At Cults Academy we strive to offer a wide range of opportunities for personal achievement outwith the formal The names of the school houses all have local connections. curriculum. Many members of staff regularly give up their own time after school and at week-ends to maintain the tradition of Cairn is from the ancient burial cairn in Cairn Road to the pupil clubs and activities, which is a highly desirable aspect west of Quarry Road. of school life. Devenick is named after St Devenick who brought Christianity The range of activities on offer varies from year to year but to this area. usually comprises The Friarsfield area of Cults is responsible for the name of SPORT Friarsfield house and possibly originates from the charter - Netball - Rowing Club awarded to the Blackfriars of Kelso in 1360 giving them land - Girls/Boys Basketball - Volleyball in Banchory Devenick. (Junior & Senior - Badminton - Dance - Running Club Murtle takes its name from the Murtle burn running between - Football – all ages - Gymnastics and Milltimber. - Table Tennis - Hockey - Rugby Ronan takes its name from St Ronan who is a local Christian of a bygone day. Streets are named after him in . MUSIC - Intermediate Band - Percussion Ensemble - Senior Band - Pipe Band DISCIPLINE AND BEHAVIOUR - Senior Choir - Fiddle Group At Cults Academy we recognise the links between good OTHER ACTIVITIES learning and teaching, positive feedback and good pupil - Lunch Club S1 – S2 pupils - Duke of Edinburgh behaviour. We operate a system agreed, following extensive - Golf Annual Championship - Charities Group consultation with staff, pupils and the Parent Council. - Debating - Eco Group • Pupil requirements set a positive expectation of Additionally, pupils in S1 – S3 take part in an Annual Activities preparation, work and attitude. Week which offers a mixture of local, residential and foreign • Three levels of disciplining action reflect an appropriate experiences. and progressive approach • Parents and carers will be informed from an early stage as part of standard procedure.

7 ent Individuals • Resp Learners • Confid onsible Citizens tus Cults Academy Successful • Effective pec ontributors • Contribut School Pros tors ns • Effective C ors • Succe Contribu Successfu • Responsible Citize ssful Learn • Effective l Learners • Confident Individuals ers • Confdent Individuals • Responsible Citizens

Pupil Requirements Be a Confident Individual At school your sense of achievement will be directly related Be a Successful Learner to your effort and participation. Make the most of your time at Come to school ready for your classes with books and Cults Academy, not only in academic subjects but in a whole equipment in an adequate bag and with all homework range of activities such as sports, clubs, social events and so on. prepared. • Keep all school materials in good condition. • Keep your homework diary up to date and use it to plan SCHOOL RULES ahead. • Every effort must be made to meet all deadlines, both With over 1000 pupils in school, the following rules are vital classwork and administration. to keeping all pupils safe and well. Various departments of the school will issue further instructions which will apply in their Punctuality is an essential part of an effective school own subject areas. day. • Be on time for all your classes. • Pupils must not bring to school any item which could be • Bring a note of explanation if you are late for class. a risk to the safety of others. For example, knives of any • Sign in at the Office if you miss registration. description must not be brought to school. • Smoking is not allowed within the school, nor in the school Be A Responsible Citizen grounds, nor on school transport. Take an active and responsible role in your own learning. • Smoking materials including lighters and matches must • Follow the instructions of staff willingly and without not be brought to school. complaint. • Outside jackets must not be worn in class. • Pay careful attention so that you understand both what • Eating, chewing and drinking are not permitted in you are doing and how it is to be done. classrooms. • If you have difficulty, ask for help. • MP3 players e.g. ipods must not be used in school. • Pupils are discouraged from bringing mobile phones to An important aspect of your education is learning to work school. All phones must be switched off and out of sight successfully with a wide range of people in a variety of in, and around, the school unless used for learning under circumstances. Remember that everyone has the right to work the direction of a teacher. without being disturbed. • Bags must not be left in corridors, nor on stairways. • Always show consideration, politeness and respect to • Pupils should visit the toilet at break and lunchtime to others. prevent having to ask out of class. • Always co-operate with others in a positive manner. You have a shared responsibility for the school environment. ATTENDANCE • Place litter in bins. • Treat facilities with care and report any damage promptly Regular attendance at school is vitally important to your child’s to the School Office. future. Absence from school can cause pupils to fall behind • If you are responsible for any damage, report it before you with their learning, do less well in exams and set bad habits are reported. for life and work.

Be An Effective Contributor Pupils returning after absence must bring a note signed by When moving around the school, the safety and well-being a parent/carer. This should be handed to their Tutor Group of others must be considered. Tutor. When parents/carers know in advance that their son or • Keep to the left in corridors and on stairs daughter is to be absent, they are asked in advance to inform • Follow all signs and notices giving directions. the school as soon as possible. At times we use a computerised • Avoid running in the buildings at all times. messaging system called ‘GROUPCALL’ to text parents of • Take particular care to avoid pushing on the stairs. identified pupils if they are not in school. The system is also • Hold doors open for people behind you. used to send out emergency information and reminders about • Line up in single file outside classrooms. school events. • Respect all safety notices. In cases of unsatisfactory attendance our Home School Liaison Officer will visit the home and discuss the situation with parents/carers.

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